The departure of the Wales captain is a massive blow for the Ospreys and Welsh rugby
Jac Morgan of Wales(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Jac Morgan will leave Welsh rugby at the end of the season to join English club Gloucester.
The Ospreys have today confirmed the Wales star will leave the club at the end of the season to take up a contract with Gloucester. WalesOnline revealed last week the Cherry & Whites were in pole position to sign the Wales openside and now the deal has been completed.
This will come as a hammer blow for both the Ospreys and the professional game in Wales as a whole.
The uncertainty surrounding the future structure of Welsh rugby is driving players away from Wales and more are likely to follow Morgan out of the exit door.
“This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make, but I hope our supporters can understand the reasoning behind me wanting to pursue a new challenge,” said Morgan.
“The Ospreys is a club that will always hold a special place in my heart, there are some incredible people here that have played an important part in getting me to where I am now, and I will never forget that.
“I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead, but until then I will be working hard to get back to full fitness and giving 100% for the team until the end of the season.”
Over the next couple of years the Welsh Rugby Union wants to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, with the Ospreys and Scarlets in danger of disappearing.
The idea behind reducing to three teams was to concentrate talent in order for the remaining teams to be more competitive on the field.
Losing a player of Morgan’s quality, arguably Wales’ only world-class player, is a huge dent in both the Ospreys’ and the WRU’s future plans.
Welsh rugby could realistically find itself down to three teams with its best players playing in England and France.
“I think I speak for everyone at the club when I say Jac will be sorely missed,” head coach Mark Jones said. “He is a tremendous player and leader that always gives his all when he is on the pitch.
“As a club, we have always done our upmost to keep our most talented players, and that was certainly was the case with Jac.
“Unfortunately, these matters are sometimes taken out of your hands, especially under the current circumstances in Welsh rugby.
“We respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best for the future, he will always be welcome back at the Ospreys.”
Morgan’s stock has risen significantly since playing a starring role in the British & Irish Lions’ series victory over Australia in the summer.
The 25-year-old was one of the most sought-after players on the market and had been heavily linked with a move to Saracens.
But Gloucester have won the race to his signature.
The Cherry & Whites have endured a tough start to the season with just one win so far in the Gallagher Prem as they lie ninth in the table.
George Skivington will be hoping the signing of Morgan can help reinvigorate the club.
Morgan will be joined to a strong Welsh contingent which includes Josh Hathaway, Freddie Thomas, Max Llewellyn, Deian Gwynne and Caio James with Tomos Williams set to leave the club to join Saracens.
